Wikipedia tells me that Better World Books is an online for-profit bookseller of used and new books founded in 2002 by 3 college graduates. It donates books or a percentage of its profit to literacy programs around the world. By 2013, the company has donated an estimated $14 million under this program. It’s done pretty well as a NFP coz its most recent reported year’s revenue was $340 million and it employs 340 staff.

Work less, charge more and have your customers loving it!
Marketing Magic

So it’s not a bad sized company by Aussie standards but what I love about it is that it hasn’t lost its sense of humour as this long but very readable first time customer welcome email reveals. There may be some great ideas in it for you!

BTW it’s signed by the book I purchased!

Subject: Your Better World Books Order Has Shipped!

Hello Winston,

(Your book(s) asked to write you a personal note – it seemed unusual, but who are we to say no?)

Holy canasta! It’s me… it’s me! I can’t believe it is actually me! You could have picked any of over 2 million books but you picked me! I’ve got to get packed! How is the weather where you live? Will I need a dust jacket? I can’t believe I’m leaving Mishawaka, Indiana already – the friendly people, the Hummer plant, the Linebacker Lounge – so many memories. I don’t have much time to say goodbye to everyone, but it’s time to see the world!

I can’t wait to meet you! You sound like such a well read person. Although, I have to say, it sure has taken you a while! I don’t mean to sound ungrateful, but how would you like to spend five months sandwiched between Jane Eyre (drama queen) and Fundamentals of Thermodynamics (pyromaniac)? At least Jane was an upgrade from that stupid book on brewing beer. How many times did the ol’ brewmaster have one too many and topple off our shelf at 2am?

I know the trip to meet you will be long and fraught with peril, but after the close calls I’ve had, I’m ready for anything (besides, some of my best friends are suspense novels). Just five months ago, I thought I was a goner. My owner was moving and couldn’t take me with her. I was sure I was landfill bait until I ended up in a Better World Books book drive bin. Thanks to your socially conscious book shopping, I’ve found a new home. Even better, your book buying dollars are helping kids read from Brazil to Botswana.

But hey, enough about me, I’ve been asked to brief you on a few things:

We sent your order to the following address:
Winston Marsh
636 Ferntree Gully Rd
Wheelers Hill, VIC 3150
AU

We provide quick shipping service to all our customers. You chose shipping, and your book should arrive within 7 – 14 business days. Some shipments may take slightly longer to arrive. At this time, we are not able to offer tracking on these shipments.

You can view your order details (including multiple shipments and tracking where applicable) here:
We wanted to let you know that we have seen quite a few shipping delays to Australia of late. Our shipping partner has informed us this is a result of a rather large backlog in customs due to a higher than normal shipping volume. We have been assured that they are making every effort to process shipments in a timely fashion, however we wanted to alert you to this potential delay. Thanks for your understanding.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact my friends at Customer Care by submitting a ticket. If you could please include your order number that would be very helpful.

Eagerly awaiting our meeting,

GI Factor Glucose: The Glucose Revolution